BOOK CRITIQUE:

UNBROKEN
BRAIN
A R E V O L U T I O N A R Y N E W WAY O F
U N D E R S TA N D I N G A D D I C T I O N

BY M A I A S Z A L AV I TZ

T hi t i r a t Po n g p r aju c
 WICKED PROBLEM…

ADDICTION
• Addiction is a complex problem
that involves biological, psychological,
social, and environmental factors, making
it difficult to solve with simple solutions.
Each person's experience with addiction
is unique, and the stigma around it
creates barriers to seeking help.
Addressing addiction requires diverse
and adaptive strategies that go beyond
typical health interventions.

20XX 2
 AUTHOR

MAIA SZAL AVITZ

Maia Szalavitz is an American journalist and author who
specializes in science, public policy, and addiction. She has
written extensively on neuroscience, addiction treatment, and
drug policy, often drawing on her personal experiences with
addiction and recovery. Szalavitz is known for her nuanced and
research-backed perspectives, which challenge traditional views
on addiction and advocate for more empathetic and evidence-
based approaches.

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 BOOK SUMMARY

Ke y p o in t s f ro m " U nb rok en B r a in: A R e v o l u t i on ar y N e w Wa y of

U n d er st an d in g A d d ict ion" b y M a ia S za lav i t z
• The book presents addiction as neither a moral failure nor solely a brain disease but as a learning disorder.

• Maia Szalavitz uses her experiences as a neuroscience journalist and former addict to challenge traditional
views and stigmas associated with addiction.

• Addiction is when the brain's natural learning processes go wrong. This often happens during important
developmental stages like adolescence.

• Integrates personal anecdotes with insights from neuroscience, psychology, and various studies to explore the
roles of genetics and environment in addiction.

• Environmental factors are significant in addiction, with stress, lack of support, and easy drug access being
critical contributors.

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 BOOK SUMMARY CONT.

Ke y p o in t s f ro m " U nb rok en B r a in: A R e v o l u t i on ar y N e w Wa y of

U n d er st an d in g A d d ict ion" b y M a ia S za lav i t z
• The book stresses the importance of neuroplasticity, highlighting the brain's adaptability and its role in
developing addictive behaviors.

• Traditional treatments, often punitive and moralistic, are criticized for being ineffective and exacerbating stigma.

• Advocates for evidence-based, compassionate treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication-
assisted therapy, focusing on individual learning patterns and histories.

• Draws on 285 references from neuroscience, psychology, and pharmacology to support the view of addiction as
a learning process.

• Although compelling, Szalavitz's reliance on anecdotal evidence may not fully satisfy the scientific community
due to the complex, multifaceted nature of addiction.

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CRITIQUE
OF THE BOOK
 STRENGTHS
• Innovative Perspective on Addiction

• Addiction is viewed as a learning disorder, a shift from seeing it as just a disease.

• The focus is on how the brain improperly learns from rewards and stress, underlining the brain's
ability to change (neuroplasticity).
• Emphasis on Environmental and Personal Factors

• Stresses the influence of trauma, social isolation, and stress in developing addiction.
• Advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes social and psychological factors in
prevention and treatment.
• Advocacy for Policy Change

• Argues for the decriminalization of drug use, better access to harm reduction strategies and judicial
reforms for drug offenses.
• These changes are supported by evidence showing they could improve public health and reduce
issues in the justice system.

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 WEAKNESSES
• Overreliance on Personal Anecdotes:

• The book uses many personal stories which, while engaging, might bias or overly generalize the
addiction experience.
• Highlights the need for a balance between personal stories and thorough scientific research.
• Potential Oversimplification of Complex Interactions

• Addiction is described mainly as a learning disorder, which might overlook its genetic and
biochemical complexities.
• Recognizes the importance of a full view of addiction, involving biological, environmental, and
personal choices.
• Limited Discussion on Contrary Evidence

• Does not adequately explore opposing views, especially the success of programs like 12-step,
which have helped many.
• A more extensive look at various treatment methods and scientific viewpoints would offer a fuller
understanding of addiction.
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REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS OF UNBROKEN BRAIN
TO THE WICKED PROBLEM OF ADDICTION
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 APPLICATIONS
• Reframing Addiction: Maia Szalavitz, in “Unbroken Brain," describes addiction as a learning and
developmental disorder, not just a medical or social problem.
• Emphasis on Environmental and Personal Factors
• Treatment should include education and therapy, not just punishment, focusing on skills to manage triggers and
stress.
• Encourage adaptive learning to help individuals reprogram their responses to surroundings and internal cues.
• Real-world Impact: Viewing addiction as a learning disorder influences prevention and treatment program
design, emphasizing early intervention and personalized learning interventions.
• Tailor programs to develop resilience and coping mechanisms, especially in young and at-risk individuals.
• Create interventions that help modify responses to cravings and stress, aiming for compassionate, effective, and
scientifically grounded strategies.

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 APPLICATIONS
• Role of Environment in Addiction: Maia Szalavitz in "Unbroken Brain" highlights the crucial role of the
environment in the development and persistence of addiction.
• Emphasize community initiatives to modify social and physical environments, discourage addiction, and
promote healthier choices.
• Focus on community programs that reduce violence, enhance education, and strengthen social support to
prevent addiction.
• Create safer, supportive settings that foster personal growth and resilience against addiction triggers.
• Prioritize access to high-quality mental health services to address underlying issues linked to substance abuse.
• Implement policies for comprehensive care that treat and prevent addiction by addressing root causes.
• Impact on Addiction Rates: Such interventions can significantly lower addiction rates and profoundly influence
prevention and treatment efforts.

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 APPLICATIONS
• Compassionate and Personalized Treatment Approaches: In “Unbroken Brain,” Maia Szalavitz criticizes the
generic, one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment and advocates for personalized plans.
• Addiction is complex and requires tailored treatment plans to meet individual needs.
• Personalized medicine, which combines medication and therapy, should be used by medical professionals to
address underlying causes.
• Real World Impact: Customized treatment plans increase the likelihood of long-term recovery success and
consider all aspects of a patient's life and health.

• Healthcare providers and insurers are likely to support and finance personalized addiction treatment
approaches as they recognize their benefits.
• Personalized care can lead to better recovery rates, fewer relapses, and a more compassionate healthcare
environment.
• Treating addiction is a complex health issue, and personalized addiction care is a progressive step toward
achieving better patient outcomes
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 APPLICATIONS
• Enhancing Public Education and Reducing Stigma
• Advocate for changing public perception of addiction from a moral failing to a treatable medical condition.
• Aim to reshape societal views and reduce stigma through education.
• Address stigma as a major barrier that prevents people from seeking help.
• Launch educational initiatives in schools to inform about addiction signs and effective responses.
• Foster a community that supports prevention efforts and engages compassionately with those affected.
• Real-World Impact:

• Early and informed support can greatly enhance the effectiveness of treatment and recovery.
• Integrate support mechanisms into everyday settings to enhance accessibility and promote sustained recovery.

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PERSONAL • "Unbroken Brain" by Maia Szalavitz completely changed my views

REFLECTION
on addiction, showing it as a learning disorder rather than a moral
failing. The book blends personal stories with scientific research,
making its points clear and relatable.
• It opened my eyes to the complexities of addiction and offered
new insights into how society should treat and understand addicted
individuals.
• Szalavitz suggests changing public and policy approaches to
addiction, advocating for more humane treatment and supportive
policies like decriminalization and harm reduction.
• This book is crucial for anyone wanting to deeply understand
addiction and improve how we deal with it in society. It's particularly
valuable for policymakers, healthcare providers, and educators.

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REFERENCES
• Hawk, K., Vaca, F. E., & D’Onofrio, G. (2017). Reducing fatal
opioid overdose: Prevention, treatment and harm reduction
strategies. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 90(3), 393-
402. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5614457/

• Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics

Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use
disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3,
CD012880.https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2018). Principles of

Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third
edition). Retrieved from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-
addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition

• Szalavitz, M. (2016). Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New

Way of Understanding Addiction. St. Martin's Press.

• Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016).

Neurobiologic Advances from the Brain Disease Model of
Addiction. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(4), 363-
371. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1511480
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